Malcolm Archibald Livres

For over 160 years, Dundee sent ships to the Arctic to hunt the whales. It was a brutal, dangerous business but one which was vital to the economy of the city. This book shows some of the most evocative images, together with explanatory text.

At the end of the 19th century, Dundee was Europe's premier Arctic whaling port. From humble beginnings in the 1750's this national industry had survived French and American wars, privateers, economic slumps, storms, heart-wrenching disasters and some amazing triumphs. From 1860 until the 1880's, Dundee built the most efficient Arctic vessels in the world. Despite being only a small city on the east coast of Scotland, as the 19th century closed, it was the most important Arctic whaling port in Europe. The Dundee Whaling Fleet gives an overview of Dundee's experience in Arctic whaling, including a valuable guide to every ship in the fleet with statistics, dates and a thumbnail history. It also gives sketches of the most prominent of the whaling masters, Dundee shipping companies and 350 of the tens of thousands of seamen who took the ships north.

Across the Pond tells of the changing use of this ocean, from a barrier to a route to riches and a highway for trade. Much is covered - exploration and exploitation; fighting and fishing; luxury cruises on the steamships of the Cunard and Collins lines and always the dangers of the sea. There also slipped the slavers with their cargo of shame. The story of the early aerial pioneers is recounted, there being many contenders for the first aircraft to fly across the Atlantic, such as the flying boats, known as the nancies. This is an ocean that bred some of the world's hardiest mariners, famous men such as Cabot, Hudson and Vespucci but also the nameless thousands who manned the ships, the hard-used mariners from the Chesapeake, the Solway and Seville. Here was bred the down east Yankee, the Nova Scotian bluenose and the Scouser from Liverpool. Across the Pond tells some of their story.

Scotland has always given generously of her people to the world. This book tells the story of some of the many hundreds of thousands of Scots who have contributed to the fabric of modern world. In here are explorers and entrepreneurs, settlers and soldiers, politicians and missionaries, traders and police officers. They are a diverse lot with only two things in common: they made their home in a foreign land, and they hailed from Scotland. The world is all the richer for the part they played.

Books 4-5 in Malcolm Archibald's 'The Swordswoman', a series of historical fantasy novels, now in one volume! Melcorka of Alba: Melcorka and Bradan's journey takes an unexpected turn when a storm diverts their course and reveals unsettling changes in Melcorka. Stranded in the mysterious city of Kollchi, they encounter supernatural forces unlike any they've faced before. With her faithful sword Defender, Melcorka courageously battles the unknown. But in a treacherous land filled with monsters and dark powers, will it be enough to overcome the daunting challenges ahead? Loki's Sword: Back in her homeland of Alba, the intrepid Swordswoman Melcorka is tasked by the High King with a critical mission: to confront and vanquish the fearsome Butcher, a ruthless adversary wielding Loki's Sword. As she and Bradan navigate a perilous path, they inch closer to their ultimate, formidable enemy. Yet, amidst the dangerous quest, Melcorka begins to unravel the layers surrounding the Butcher and the mysteries locked within Loki's Sword. Can she uncover the truth hidden beneath the surface and triumph over her formidable foe?

The book explores the diverse array of battles fought in Scotland and by the Scots over nearly nine centuries of independence. It delves into the historical context of these conflicts, highlighting significant events and their impact on Scottish identity and heritage. Through detailed accounts, readers gain insight into the military strategies and cultural significance of these battles, showcasing Scotland's rich and tumultuous history.

Set against the backdrop of 18th and 19th century Midlothian, the narrative explores a tumultuous period marked by murders, riots, strikes, and runaway horses. It paints a vivid picture of the social and political upheaval of the time, offering a glimpse into the lives of those navigating the challenges and chaos of their era.

Set in Afghanistan during 1880, the story follows Major Jack Windrush of the 113th Foot on a mission to secure Batoor Khan's allegiance to the new Amir. As tensions escalate with the emergence of Ayub Khan, a rival claimant to the Afghan throne, Jack takes up arms with the British forces tasked with reestablishing stability in the region. The narrative explores themes of loyalty, power struggles, and the complexities of colonial military engagements.

Set against the 1930s, the story follows Douglas Tulloch as he confronts tribal rebellions and covert missions on India's Northwest Frontier and in France as World War II looms. Amidst old rivalries and the chaos of war, Tulloch struggles with the complexities of leadership, facing the consequences of his choices from Brussels to Dunkirk. The narrative explores themes of duty, conflict, and the personal toll of decisions made in times of crisis.